FC Barcelona Defender Open to Offers, Considering Club Departure

• Jules Kounde was a key part of Barcelona’s La Liga triumph
• However, the defender is reported to want his role changed
• His departure could help Barcelona finance other signings

FC Barcelona defender, Jules Kounde is reportedly open to leaving the club and is said to have given the Catalan giants his approval to consider offers that come in for him.

The former Sevilla defender is apparently unhappy with the way things have unfolded on the field of play this season.

According to Relevo journalist, Toni Juanmarti, the Frenchman 'has given the club the OK' to listen to any offers that may arrive for him.

The reason for this is Kounde's discomfort at right-back, where he feels he might have to stay because of the strong partnership formed by Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen in central defence.

The French World Cup finalist has reportedly had a chat about the situation with Barcelona head coach, Xavi, who now knows about the centre-back’s discontent.

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Juanmarti emphasised that Kounde has not requested a transfer himself despite being open to leaving.

Barcelona could sell Kounde

It was also reported that due to Kounde's market value growing compared to the summer of 2022, Barca could push to sell the 24-year-old ahead of next season.

Before the current campaign, La Blaugrana memorably beat Chelsea to the ex-Sevilla defender's signature after pulling one of their famous 'economic lever' moves.

They signed him for a base fee of €50 million ($55 million), according to Goal, tying Kounde to a five-year deal with a Paris Saint Germain-proof release clause of €1 bil ($1.01 bil) attached to it.

Despite his apparent discomfort at being made to operate as a right-back, the Frenchman's first season at Camp Nou has been an undoubted success.

He has already helped the club win its first La Liga title in four years - a maiden Spanish top flight crown under Xavi - while playing a pivotal role in one of the best-performing defences in Europe.

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Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has kept 25 clean sheets and counting from 35 outings.

Barca to sell Christensen?

It has been rumoured that Barca might also sell Christensen considering the club's financial problems, plus the fact that they paid nothing for him in a free transfer from Chelsea.

This would make any potential offloading present pure profit.

If Kounde remains unhappy, and Xavi refuses to yield and change his plans, it could be the number 23 and not the Dane that moves on barely 12 months after joining.

Messi possibly returning to Barcelona?

Previously, Sports Brief reported there is an increasing likelihood of Messi returning to Barcelona this summer.

As it stands, a deal to secure the signature of the 37-year-old would depend on the club's present financial state.